Estonia Accuses Russia of ‘Brazen’ Airspace Violation as NATO Tensions Rise

VILNIUS/WASHINGTON, Sept 20 (Reuters) – Estonia on Friday accused Russia of staging an “unprecedentedly brazen” airspace violation after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets crossed into its territory for 12 minutes, the latest in a string of provocations unsettling NATO.

Tallinn said the aircraft entered without permission and traversed significant portions of the country before being forced to withdraw.

“Russia has violated Estonian airspace four times already this year, which is unacceptable in itself, but today’s violation … is unprecedentedly brazen,” Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.

Russia Denies Incursion 

The Russian Defence Ministry dismissed the allegation, insisting the jets were flying from northwest Russia to Kaliningrad strictly over neutral Baltic waters.

“The flight was carried out in full conformity with international airspace rules, with no violations of other states’ borders, as confirmed by independent checks,” the ministry said on Telegram.

Moscow said the MiG-31s “did not deviate from the agreed flight path and did not violate Estonian airspace.”

Pattern of Provocations

The incident follows a series of recent Russian actions in the region:

• Sept 9–10: More than 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, prompting NATO jets to shoot some down.

• Earlier this week: Russia and Belarus concluded their Zapad-2025 military exercises, which included rehearsals for a nuclear strike. 

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• Friday: Poland said two Russian fighter jets violated the safety zone of the Petrobaltic oil platform in the Baltic Sea.

Western officials say such maneuvers are designed to test NATO’s readiness and resolve.

Watching Washington

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters Friday he had not yet been briefed on the Estonian incident.

“I don’t love it. I don’t like when that happens,” Trump said. “Could be big trouble. I’ll let you know later.”

The muted U.S. reaction to the earlier Polish drone incursion had already fueled concerns among NATO allies about Washington’s willingness to respond forcefully under Trump’s leadership.

NATO, in a brief statement, condemned Russia’s actions as “reckless.”